Gait Phase Subdivision and Leg Stiffness Estimation During Stair Climbing

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Gait Phase Subdivision and Leg Stiffness Estimation During Stair Climbing Via Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, IEEE Transactions on - new TOC Leg stiffness is considered a prevalent parameter used in data analysis of leg locomotion during different gaits, such as walking, running, and hopping. Quantification of the change in support leg stiffness during stair ascent and descent will enhance our understanding of complex stair climbing gait dynamics. The purpose of this study is to investigate a methodology to estimate leg stiffness during stair climbing and subdivide the stair climbing gait cycle. Leg stiffness was determined as the ratio of changes in ground reac tion force in the direction of the support leg ${F}_{l}$ (leg force) to the respective changes in length ${L}_{l}$ during the entire stance phase. Eight subjects ascended and descended an instrumented staircase at different cadences. In this study, the changes of leg force and length (force–length curve) are described as the leg stiffness curve, the slope of which represents the normalized stiffness during stair climbing. The stair ascent and descent gait cycles were subdivided based on the negative and positive work fluctuations of the center-of-mass (CoM) work rate curve and the characteristics of leg stiffness. We found that the leg stiffness curve consists of several segments in which the force–length relationship was similarly linear and the stiffness value was relatively constant; the phase divided by the leg stiffness curve corresponds to the phase divided by the CoM work rate curve. The results of this study may guide biomimetic control strategies for a wearable lowe r-extremity robot for the entire stance phase during stair climbing. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Effects of Low Protein-High Carbohydrate Diet during Early and Late Pregnancy on Respiratory Quotient and Visceral Adiposity

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Effects of Low Protein-High Carbohydrate Diet during Early and Late Pregnancy on Respiratory Quotient and Visceral Adiposity Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Background. Low Protein-High Carbohydrate (LPHC) diet during pregnancy is considered a nutritional and health problem related to the development of maternal metabolic alterations, such as fatty liver and obesity in the perinatal and postnatal period. It is known that increase in visceral adiposity tissue (VAT) modulates maternal metabolic rate, with the respiratory quotient (RQ) being a parameter related to that variable; however, it is unknown whether LPHC intake during pregnancy affects the VAT and the RQ. In this study, we examine if consumption of LPHC during pregnancy modifies the VAT and RQ in early and late periods of pregnancy. Methods. This is a longitudinal and cross-sectional study with Wistar rats during gestation (G) (3, 8, 15, and 20) and nonpregnant rats. Rats were fed with a co ntrol diet with 63/18% carbohydrate/protein and an experimental diet with 79/6% carbohydrate/protein. We studied water and food consumption and metabolic parameters such as RQ and energy expenditure (EE), calculated by indirect calorimetry. In the cross-sectional study, we determined visceral fat, as well as the concentration of free fatty acids, insulin, glucose, and lipid profile in serum. Results. Nonpregnant rats with LPHC intake decreased significantly in VAT (86%) and the RQ (18%); in pregnant rats in early (8G) and late pregnancy (15G) in LPHC diet, both parameters (VAT and RQ) (25%-92%) increased during light time. When comparing time points during pregnancy in the control and LPHC groups, the RQ increased in 15G during daytime compared to 8G during the night period (17 and 5%, respectively). In late pregnancy, LPHC intake and triacylglyceride levels increased and cholesterol and glucose decreased (45 and 26%, respectively), in comparison to nonpregnant rats. Conclusions. LP HC intake in nonpregnant rats decreases the RQ and VAT. Interestingly, the opposite occurs in early pregnancy: the RQ and VAT increased, and this correlates with free fatty acid (FFA) levels. The increase in RQ and VAT during light time in early pregnancy increased mobilization of carbohydrate and protein metabolism. These results suggest that LPHC intake during pregnancy increases the glucose metabolism as a compensatory mechanism for energy needs in the fetus and the mother in early pregnancy. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Glycyrrhizin Attenuates Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage by Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Neuroinflammation in Neonatal Rats via the HMGB1/GPX4 Pathway

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Glycyrrhizin Attenuates Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage by Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Neuroinflammation in Neonatal Rats via the HMGB1/GPX4 Pathway Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation With unknown etiology and limited treatment options, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) remains a major cause of mortality in newborns. Ferroptosis, a recently discovered type of cell death triggered by lipid peroxidation, is closely associated with HIBD. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a molecule associated with inflammation damage, can induce neuronal death in HIBD. However, it remains unknown whether HMGB1 contributes to neuronal ferroptosis in patients with HIBD. Herein, glycyrrhizin (GL), an HMGB1 inhibitor, was used to investigate the relationship between ferroptosis and HMGB1. RAS-selective lethal 3(RSL3), a ferroptosis agonist, was administered to further confirm the changes in the signaling pathway between HMGB1 and ferroptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that GL mar kedly suppressed the expression of HMGB1 and increased the level of GPX4 in the context of HIBD. We observed changes in neuronal ultrastructure via transmission electron microscopy to further confirm the occurrence of ferroptosis. Real-time PCR indicated that GL inhibited the expression of ferroptosis-related genes and inflammatory factors. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining confirmed GL inhibition of neuronal damage and ferroptosis in HIBD associated with GPX4 and ROS. GL not only inhibited ferroptosis induced by RSL3 and oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro but also inhibited ferroptosis induced by HIBD in vivo. More importantly, GL may improve oxidative stress imbalance and mitochondrial damage, alleviate the downstream production of inflammatory factors, and ultimately reduce ferroptosis and damage to cortical neurons following HIBD via the HMGB1/GPX4 pathway. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that GL could suppress the occurrence of neuronal ferroptos is and reduce neuronal loss in HIBD via the HMGB1/GPX4 pathway. These findings highlight the potential of HMGB1 signaling antagonists to treat neuronal damage by suppressing ferroptosis, provide new and unique insights into GL as a neuroprotective agent, and suggest new prevention and treatment strategies for HIBD. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Optimized Protocol for the Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles from the Parasitic Worm Schistosoma mansoni with Improved Purity, Concentration, and Yield

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Optimized Protocol for the Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles from the Parasitic Worm Schistosoma mansoni with Improved Purity, Concentration, and Yield Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation In the past decade, the interest in helminth-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) increased owing to their role in pathogen-host communication. However, the availability of EVs from these parasitic worms is often limited due to the restricted occurrence and culturing possibilities of these organisms. Schistosoma mansoni is one of several helminths that have been shown to release EVs affecting the immune response of their host. Further investigation of mechanisms underlying these EV-induced effects warrants separation of EVs from other components of the helminth excretory/secretory products. However, isolation of high-purity EVs often come to the expense of reduced EV yield. We therefore aimed to develop an optimized protocol for isolation of EVs from S. mansoni schistosomula and adult worms with respect to purity, concentration, and yield. We tested the use of small (1.7 ml) iodixanol density gradients and demonstrated that this enabled western blot-based analysis of the EV marker protein tetraspanin-2 (TSP-2) in gradient fractions without additional concentration steps. Moreover, the concentration and yield of EVs obtained with small iodixanol gradients were higher compared to medium-sized (4.3 ml) or conventional large-sized (12 ml) gradients. Additionally, we provide evidence that iodixanol is preferred over sucrose as medium for the small density gradients, because EVs in iodixanol gradients reached equilibrium much faster (2 hours) and iodixanol but not sucrose was suitable for purification of schistosomula EVs. Finally, we demonstrate that the small iodixanol gradients were able to separate adult worm EVs from non-EV contaminants such as the blood digestion product hemozoin. Our optimized small iodixanol density gradient allows to simultaneously separate and con centrate EVs while reducing handling time and EV loss and can be applied for EVs from helminths and other limited EV sources. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Vaccines, Vol. 10, Pages 570: Changing Perspectives on Pediatric Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Vaccines, Vol. 10, Pages 570: Changing Perspectives on Pediatric Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination among Dental Students and Residents Reveals Recent Increase in Vaccine Hesitancy Via Vaccines Vaccines, Vol. 10, Pages 570: Changing Perspectives on Pediatric Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination among Dental Students and Residents Reveals Recent Increase in Vaccine Hesitancy Vaccines doi: 10.3390/vaccines10040570 Authors: Rebecca Maginot Carolina Esteves Karl Kingsley This study was a retrospective analysis of previously collected anonymous survey data regarding vaccine awareness, beliefs, and knowledge among dental (DMD) students and postgraduate (PG) residents. The protocol for this study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as exempt. A total of 341 responses were collected from n = 293 DMD students and n = 48 PG residents. Although most respondents agreed that vaccines were necessary, safe, and effective, over the past 4 years (2017–2020) a growing percentage of respondents disagreed. In addition, although most respondents disagreed that there are too many required vaccines, vaccines can make you sick, or are dangerous,a growing percentage of respondents now agreed with these statements. Finally, although most respondents were aware of the HPV vaccine, recently a growing percentage of both students and residents reported they had insufficient information about this vaccine. These results provide novel insights int o recent changes in attitudes and beliefs regarding vaccination among this population. Moreover, analysis of these shifts in attitudes and knowledge about HPV vaccination suggests that curricular integration of vaccine research and hesitancy may be needed to answer these questions in a supportive learning environment that fosters critical thinking and evidence-based practice and decision making. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Splenic calcifications: an unusual finding in systemic lupus erythematosus

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Splenic calcifications: an unusual finding in systemic lupus erythematosus Via Latest Results View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Detecting Interval Distant Metastases With 18F-FDG PET/CT After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Detecting Interval Distant Metastases With 18F-FDG PET/CT After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer Via Clinical Nuclear Medicine - Published Ahead-of-Print Purpose Patients with esophageal cancer can develop distant metastases between the start of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and planned surgery (ie, interval distant metastases). 18F-FDG PET/CT restaging after nCRT detects interval distant metastases in ~8% of patients. This study aimed to identify patients for whom 18F-FDG PET/CT restaging after nCRT could be omitted using an existing prediction model predicting for interval distant metastases or by using clinical stage groups. Patients and Methods Patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who underwent baseline and restaging 18F-FDG PET/CT, nCRT, and were planned for esophagectomy between 2017 and 2021 were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective study. The primary outcome was the existing model's external performance (ie, discrimination and calibration) for predicting interval distant metastases. The existing model predictors included tumor length, cN status, squamous cell carcinoma histology, and baseline SUVmax. The secondary outcome determined the clinical stage groups (AJCC/UICC eighth edition) for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma for which the incidence of interval distant metastases was View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

High-quality imaging of endolymphatic hydrops acquired in 7 minutes using sensitive hT2W–3D–FLAIR reconstructed with magnitude and zero-filled interpolation

paythelady.61 shared this article with you from Inoreader High-quality imaging of endolymphatic hydrops acquired in 7 minutes using sensitive hT2W–3D–FLAIR reconstructed with magnitude and zero-filled interpolation Via Latest Results for European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Abstract Background It is still challenging to detect endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in patients with Meniere's disease (MD) using MRI. The aim of the present study was to optimize a sensitive technique generating strong contrast enhancement from minimum gadolinium–diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd–DTPA) while reliably detecting EH in the inner ear, including the apex. Materials and methods All imaging was performed using a 3.0 T MR system 24 h after intratympanic injection of low-dose Gd–DTPA. Heavily T2-weighted 3-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery reconstructed with magnitude and zero-filled interpolation (hT2W–FLAIR–ZFI) was optimized and validated in phantom studies and compared with medium inversion time inversion recovery imaging with magnitude reconstruction (MIIRMR). The following parameters were used in hT2W–FLAIR–ZFI: repetition time 14,000 ms, echo time 663 ms, inversion time 2900 ms, flip angle 120°, echo train length 271, and field of view 166 × 196 mm2. Results MRI obtained using hT2W–FLAIR–MZFI yielded high-quality images with sharper and smoother borders between the endolymph and perilymph and a higher signal intensity ratio and more homogenous perilymph enhancement than those generated with MIIRMR (p < 0.01). There were predominantly grade II EHs in the cochleae and grade III EHs in the vestibule in definite MD. EH was detected in the apex of 11/16 ipsilateral ears, 3/16 contralateral ears in unilateral definite MD and 3/6 ears in bilateral MD. Conclusions The novel hT2W–FLAIR–MZFI technique is sensitive and demonstrates strong and homogenous enhancement by minimum Gd–DTPA in the inner ear, including the apex, and yields high-quality images with sharp borders between the endolymph and perilymph. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Comparison of PET-CT, CT and MRI scan in initial staging and management of head and neck cancers

paythelady.61 shared this article with you from Inoreader Comparison of PET-CT, CT and MRI scan in initial staging and management of head and neck cancers Via Latest Results for European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Abstract Background To evaluate the utility of positron-emission tomography (FDG PET) in initial staging and management of head and neck cancers. Methods This is a retrospective study of 99 treatment naïve head and neck cancer patients treated between January 2017 and December 2020 at a tertiary teaching centre. Change in initial staging and management was noted based on PET scan compared to cross-sectional imaging (CT and MRI). Results There were 73 (73.7%) males and 26 (26.2%) females with male-to-female ratio of 2.8:1.Overall, change in management was seen in 36/99 (36.4%) patients due to PET scan. With regards to initial staging, T, N and M stage was changed in 14/99 (14.1%), 19/99 (19.1%) and 3/99 (3%) patients, respectively. These changes were significantly higher in patients with unknown primary (63.3%, p value −0.001) and N3 (41%, p −0.045) nodal disease. Conclusion PET-CT plays an important role in appropriate initial staging and subsequent treatment planning of head and neck cancers. Advances in knowledge Initial staging PETCT changes management in 36.4% cases. Accuracy of various different imaging modalities have been compared. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Skeletal maturation in different anteroposterior and vertical skeletal growth patterns in female subjects

paythelady.61 shared this article with you from Inoreader Skeletal maturation in different anteroposterior and vertical skeletal growth patterns in female subjects Via Latest Results for Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie Abstract Purpose The aim of the present work was to study the sequence of skeletal maturation in the various anteroposterior and vertical skeletal growth patterns and to detect whether differences existed between them. Methods Cephalograms of 861 growing and adolescent female patients were traced to categorize the subjects into 9 skeletal patterns. Each subject was assigned a skeletal maturational stage. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni test were used to detect differences in the onset of the three growth stages (prepubertal, pubertal and postpubertal) between the 9 groups. The same statistical methods were used to detect differences between the mean ages at the three growth stages within each group. Results No statistically significant differences were found between the mean ages of pubertal and postpubertal growth stages between the 9 skeletal patterns. However, class III growers had a significantly earlier onset of prepubertal growth (10.25 ± 1.56 years) when compared to that of class II high angle cases (11.11 ± 1.67 years; P < 0.01). Also, significant differences were found between the mean ages at the three growth stages within the groups. Conclusion A map was created defining the sequence of skeletal maturation for each skeletal growth pattern. This map defines clinically relevant differences in the starting time points and the optimum intervals of growth modification for each skeletal growth pattern. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Anticoagulating an Adolescent with Post-Tonsillectomy Massive PE: A Case Report

paythelady.61 shared this article with you from Inoreader Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Anticoagulating an Adolescent with Post-Tonsillectomy Massive PE: A Case Report Via SAGE Publications Inc: Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology: Table of Contents Annals of Otology, Rhinology &Laryngology, Ahead of Print. Objectives:To report a case of a morbidly obese 17-year-old boy who presented 4 days post-tonsillectomy with acute deep venous thromboses and a massive pulmonary embolism. To describe a protocol and decision-making tree for providing anticoagulation in the immediate post-tonsillectomy period.Methods:A chart review and review of the literature.Results:The patient ultimately did well and had no bleeding from the tonsil beds or further thromboembolic complications. A review of the literature revealed no available data regarding the safety of anticoagulation in the immediate post-tonsillectomy period.Conclusions:We propose that if anticoagulation is needed within 14 days of tonsillectomy, submaximal anticoagulation with a reversible and titratable anticoagulant may be optimal. A multidisciplinary team approach is needed for these complex cases. Future reporting and investigation of anticoagulation post-tonsillec tomy is needed. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.